ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Is there any research supporting the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression?

I get asked this a lot by new patients. And the answer is absolutely! So here are just a few studies. I could have added a lot more showing the positive effects of non-surgical decompression. The following results were obtained from spinal decompression therapy:

Studies on spinal decompression indicated between a 71-90% success rates with one study reporting an immediate resolution of symptoms in 86% of the participants involved.

Here are just a few studies showing the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression.

One such study published in Orthopedic Technology Review titled “Surgical Alternatives: Spinal Decompression,” showed that 86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients.

A study, authored by Dr. John Leslie of The Mayo Clinic, was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical spinal decompression in the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Patients enrolled in the study had suffered an overall average of ten years of chronic back pain. After completion of the entire protocol an amazing success rate of up to 88.9% was documented.

An article printed in Journal of Neurological Research reported that vertebral spinal decompression was successful in 71% of the 778 cases. The success rate did vary from 73% for patients with a single herniated disc. It was 72% for people with multiple herniated discs.

The American Journal of Pain Management reported “good to excellent” relief in 86% patients with herniated discs, with back pain and sciatica symptoms being relieved. “Good to excellent” results were also obtained in 75% of those with facet syndrome.

A study published in Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in July of 2019 carried out a study on 73 patients with chronic low back attributed to disc protrusions. They were divided into two groups. The main outcomes were a significant improvement in LBP in both groups using visual analog scale, but radicular pain and disc height using MRI were significantly improved in group 1 compared with group 2. The study concluded that non-surgical spinal decompression was associated with a reduction in back pain and radicular pain and with an increase in disc height.

“An interesting study at the Rio Grande Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery compared the effects of 20 treatment sessions vs. 10 treatment sessions on chronic low back pain sufferers. The group receiving 20 treatments of decompression therapy reported a 76.5% with complete remission and 19.6% with partial remission of pain and disability. The second group, receiving 10 treatments of decompression therapy, reported a 42.9% rate of remission and 24.1% with partial remission. Failure rate was only 3.9% for those receiving 20 treatment sessions while it was 32.9% for those receiving only 10 sessions. Remission was defined as 90% or greater relief of pain, back to work without limitations, and abilities to carry out Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). Partial remission was defined as persistence of some pain but ability to carry out most ADL's and return to work with some restriction of duties, depending on the occupation. Failure rate was defined as no change in the level of pain and or/ADL.”

As you can see, Spinal Decompression Therapy is an effective therapy for some people experiencing neck or low back pain. In addition, promising research suggests that the effects of Spinal Decompression Therapy can be a long-lasting solution to certain chronic back pain disorders.

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Dr. Wayne M. Fichter Jr. is a chiropractor at Natural Spine Solutions. The business is located at 3913 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene. For more information, please contact us at 208-966-4425.